Electric ceiling fans have been around for a while – since the ‘80s in fact … the 1880s. An entrepreneur took the motor out of a Singer sewing machine, configured it to a set of horizontal fan blades and the world has been cooler ever since. Though ceiling fans fell out of favor with the invention of air conditioning, they enjoyed a revival in the energy crisis of the ‘70s and early ‘80s.
Of course, here in humidity-plagued Florida, we prefer our air conditioning and our ceiling fans to work as a united team – partners in fighting perspiration. I think it’s even safe to say many Floridians consider themselves experts of sorts when it comes to buying and installing a ceiling fan. (I learned to do it before I even had a driver’s license!)
Here are several fans that would make any Floridian envious.
Cools up to 100 square feet
Wow, this three-bladed fan is a head-turner. (Or is that a “head-nodder” because you’d have to look up at the fan?) We love the modern look to it, and it’s the perfect size for use in a small bedroom or home office. The fan comes with an integrated matte opal glass light kit (including the light bulb). The 44-inch fan is best suited for rooms up to 100 square feet. It offers three fan speeds.
Turn off the light
Sometimes simplicity is best. This basic white, four-bladed fan has reversible blades, a 13-degree pitch and a handy remote to control the speeds. It’s specifically designed for ceilings less than 9-feet high.
A real powerhouse
With a fan this size, you’d think you need an air-traffic controller to properly operate. Nope – it has its own remote control but it’s also compatible with Google Home and Alexa systems.
Great durability
It’s not uncommon to think of a ceiling fan as just a tool to keep a room cool, but this fan is a stunner. Made from distressed koa wood, it brings a new sense of style to the room. Yet it’s easy to install and still does it job moving the air through your space.
For medium-sized spaces
Use this low-profile fan for flush-mount installations when the ceiling height is a concern. It has reversible blades, a frosted dome light fixture and a high-performance motor that delivers a powerful yet quiet experience. It comes with Integrated frosted opal dome light (with the bulb) and can cool spaces up to 400 square feet.
Steve Spears is editor of Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. He is based in Orlando and counts St. Augustine, Key West and the Gulf Beaches among his favorite destinations in the state.
